Devil Comet Ensemble 10/13/2024 snippet

...

 To be

In this region

       and of this time

The prime concern

as regards 

Musical aspiration 

Let one

or two

Respond in an affirmative ponderence 

   let the salesman make his sale

Let ganglia expand

as the thing gets practiced

The prime concern is but a floating cloud

     within a floating realm

Quiet exit with perhaps a few salutations 

Diaspora Foci Collective/Devil Comet Ensemble/Instagon #836-Miami Art Works, Miami AZ 10/13/2024

 

Really the only photo I got for documentation. Nathan Smith, Jaroba, and myself in front of Miami Art Works, a bit after our playing experience: just under thirty minutes of improvisation as either Diaspora Foci Collective or Devil Comet Ensemble. The latter moniker was bandied about in a group text during the previous evening, on account of a visible comet that Nathan suggested we try to view in the twilight sky. The former is Mika Pontecorvo's name for the project. Mika had desired to travel from his home in San Francisco for the gig, but was not able to do so. Following our sometimes subdued, sometimes insane set, Lob Instagon joined us for about fifteen minutes of Instagon #836, during which we threw down some Funk and a cover of Set the Controls For the Heart Of the Sun by Pink Floyd. The day was a blast, for me more of a party than a show, and I see nothing wrong with that. Lob and his cohort in Miami are doing some really great stuff there. If you're anywhere near the town, go and spend some time and money with them! An excellent day of music and community in Arizona.

Playing this Sunday in Miami AZ!

 

Happy to be involved in some live music production this weekend! I will join woodwinds player Jaroba and guitarist Nathan Smith (subbing for Mika Pontecorvo) at Arizona Audio Waffle. The gig happens at noon on Sunday, 10/13 in Miami. Looking forward to some improvisational moments after listening to four creative acts! 

Sunday 10/13/2024

12:00 PM sharp start time

Arizona Audio Waffle

Miami Art Works

509 Sullivan St.

Miami AZ 85539

$10

All ages show, waffles served BYOB

Featuring Loud Obnoxious Bass, Aphrodites Polyp, Dummy Rifle, Ceremonial Abyss, Diaspora Focii Collective. 

 

Improvisor Lotteria fragment, Golden Saguaro Tucson 9/25/24

Group Improvisation Snippet

Quoting Sun Ra at Golden Saguaro Tucson 9/25/2024

More Improvisor Lotteria at Golden Saguaro Tucson 9/25/24

Archive shot and musings.

 

Last night there appeared in a dream of mine Max Sidman, last bass player of Ovipositor. He played in that band from mid-2008 until 2010 as I recall. We also did a studio-only band, Silencer Assembly, from 2010 until 2012 or so. Max wanted to call the band Tuned Mass Damper. I wanted SA. Max accepted my proposed name. Probably should have argued his side a bit more ardently, but who cares at this point anyway. Justin Martin was in a dream about a week ago. It was odd because the feeling in the dream was that we kind of knew each other but kind of didn't. People talk sometimes about alternate timelines, and that particular dream had me pondering the notion pretty big-ly. I am listening to Wooden Shhips right now. A San Francisco band that definitely made me wonder "what's their secret?" as I watched their ascent to the heights of cool in my general stomping grounds and beyond. Hello! It's because they sound great!

OK, so this photo was a selfie, snapped in the garage of my residence in Richmond CA. I had the place from 2017 until 2021. What a great spot. That carpet was given to me by Brian Strang. Had to give it away during the move out of Cali. That Zildjian cymbal, I bought in 1990 or so. Still have it. It sucks, hahahaha. The t-shirt says Hawi, which is a lovely town in rural Hawaii. The shirt was much loved by me. This photo was one of an occasional sent to Moe Staiano to let him know that I was practicing his music for gigs or the occasional recording session. If memory serves correctly this particular day's practice time was put in for an upcoming show in Oakland.  Moe's music warranted concerted rehearsal in my estimation. That's not a happy look, but practicing Moe's music gave a lot of satisfaction as compared with happiness. I always wanted to do a good job for the man. Moe continues his musical quest, and that's awesome. I still think he should move to Berlin and just compose full time. 

Probably a good place to stop here. Keep your brain alive, wherever you are and whatever you're doing.